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Saturday, June 30, 2012

The 2013 Jaguar XJ will drop the base 5.0L V8 engine. The V8 engine iwll be replaced with a 3.0L supercharged V6 engine that produces 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Jaguar will replace the current 6-speed transmission with a new ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. The new engine and transmission should improve the XJ's combined mpg.

The new V6 engine will get the XJ from 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds. The suspension on the 2013 XJ has been revised to improve ride comfort. Other changes include the option of a Meridian sound system across all trims, and a redesigned navigation system.

ExteriorThe 2012 Altima is definitely showing its age. While the Altima isn't the ugliest vehicle in its class it is not the best looking. Many people will be fine with the Altima's conservative styling. I think the Altima does stand out in exterior colors such as red and white. My test was in Brilliant Silver.

Interior
I found the interior of the Altima to be good and effective. There is a mix of soft touch materials and plastics throughout the cabin. My tester came with the basic head unit, which I found easy to use and operate. The knobs and buttons are of good quality and were easy to reach and use. The interior color of my tester was charcoal which many people will like especially if they have children. The front cloth bucket seats are comfortable and supportive. The rear seats are just as comfortable and supportive. There is a decent amount of headroom and legroom available. With the drivers seat all the way back I still had enough legroom. The middle seat should only be used for a child. Overall I think the cabin works really well.

Tech
The Altima comes standard with Nissan's Intelligent Key and push button start. My test car had a power drivers seat, steering mounted audio controls, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Bluetooth was simple and easy to use.

Behind the Wheel
The Altima is powered by a 2.5L four cylinder engine mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that works really well. This 2.5L engine produces 175 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. I like V6 engines but the power of the four cylinder came on smoothly and didn't have me wanting more power. The Altima's ride is sporty which sets it apart from the competition. The steering is responsive which makes the Altima enjoying to drive. While driving the cabin remained quiet at most times but the droning sound of the transmission did appear. I found the visibility out of the windows and mirrors to be really good. The Altima is easy to drive which made me feel very comfortable behind the wheel.

Overall

The Nissan Altima does extremely well int he categories that matter to buyers which is why it has been so successful. The current generation Altima has been around since the 2007 model year. But that is changing with the 2013 model which is set to hit dealers soon. Since a new model is coming buyers who are looking for a midsize sedan should make their way to a Nissan dealership to get a good deal on a 2012 Altima (In the NC area make sure to visit my friends at Greenville Nissan). The 2012 Nissan Altima offers performance, fuel efficiency, and good reliability. A base 2.5 Altima starts at $20,550 and delivers 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.

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Exterior
Most people will be turned off by the BOLD styling of the Nissan Quest. But I have to say that the Quest is a very attractive vehicle (I like vehicles like the Hyundai Veloster and Nissan Juke!). It is very evident that some styling cues were taken from Infiniti. After reading hundreds of comments, many seem to not like the rear of the Quest which is very boxy. When I first saw the pictures of the new Quest I didn't like it either and it does take some getting use to.

Interior
The Quest's interior is beyond luxurious. All trim levels of the Quest offer soft touch materials and high-quality plastics throughout the cabin. The navigation system, shifter, stereo and climate controls are neatly organized on the center console. A big plus is that the buttons and knobs are easy to reach from the driver's seat. No one will have a hard time finding storage because there are tons of spaces and compartments to put items. The front two bucket seats were really comfortable and I was surprised about how supportive they were. The second and third row seats were just as comfortable. Everyone will have more than enough headroom and legroom. The second and third row seats fold forward but cannot be removed. The Quest's competition allows the removal of the second row seats, and the third rows to fold into the cargo bay. While Nissan's seat decision does compromise cargo, I found their approach to be more convenient. If I was blind folded and put in the Quest I would have thought I was in a luxury vehicle.

Tech
The Quest comes standard with Nissan's Intelligent key and push button start. I am a big fan of Nissan/Infiniti navigation systems and the navi system in the Quest does not disappoint. My favorite feature is the power sliding doors. The doors really come in handy especially if you have your hands full. My tester came with Bose audio, Bluetooth connectivity, an 11" screen and DVD entertainment system, and XM satellite radio.

Behind the Wheel
The Quest is powered by Nissan's 3.5L V6 engine producing 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a CVT (continuously variable transmission). Many people dislike the CVT because it does not shift like a traditional automatic and makes a droning sound. But the CVT transmission works really well with Nissan's V6 engine. Power does come on smoothly but I do wish there was more torque. The Quest departs from most of the Nissan lineup because its suspension was tuned to be luxurious and not sporty. At speeds above 60 MPH the cabin is very quiet. The Quest handles really well and is very responsive. The large windows offer great visibility which is always good with a large vehicle.

Overall

I think the Nissan Quest is a great vehicle that people looking for a minivan should take a look at. Many people get caught up in brands and do not give others a chance. The Quest is a vehicle that people should give a chance. Buyers looking for an 8 passenger minivan should look at some of the competitors, but if 7 seats work for your family then make your way to a Nissan dealership(In the NC area visit my friends at Greenville Nissan). Nissan really took that year off to think about the Quest and created a minivan with unique styling, a luxurious interior, and a smooth ride. A 2012 Nissan Quest S trim starts at $25,990 and delivers 19 mpg city and 24 mpg hwy.

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